Trusted Local News

Mayor’s Message: March 18

  • News
Dear Friends, I’m sorry to inform you that due to public health recommendations on gatherings of 10 or more people and to insurance requirements, all recreational facilities in Ocean City will close at the end of today. That includes playgrounds, the skate park, the street hockey rinks, municipal golf course, tennis, Pickleball and basketball courts. City Hall also will be closed to the public after today. Citizens should visit www.ocnj.us to see what services are provided online and call 609-399-6111 to make arrangements for any services that cannot be completed online. This guide should provide information on some of the most commonly requested services. The City Council meeting that had been scheduled for March 26 has been canceled. The city has no authority and there is no emergency declaration that would allow us to prevent people from accessing their own homes or to close roads. We will follow any directive to implement a “shelter in place” order, if and when that is ever necessary. In the meantime, we ask that everybody – year-round residents, second homeowners and visitors – use the same common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. I want to thank all the community volunteers and business leaders who worked tirelessly over the past two days to relaunch OCNJ CARE. This nonprofit organization is now ready to help all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic and all the related closings, layoffs, quarantines and restrictions. Please visit www.ocnj.us/ocnjcare, call 609-399-6111 or email [email protected] to learn more about how to volunteer or to seek assistance. Warm regards, Mayor Jay A. Gillian